20 Cyber Threat Intelligence Interview Questions and Answers

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) is a relatively new field that is growing in importance as the number of cyber attacks increases. CTI analysts collect and analyze data to identify trends and patterns in order to predict and prevent future attacks. If you are interviewing for a CTI position, you can expect to be asked questions about your technical skills, analytical abilities and knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape. This article will review some of the most common CTI interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them.

Cyber Threat Intelligence Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Cyber Threat Intelligence interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is cyber threat intelligence?

Cyber threat intelligence is information that is gathered about potential cyber threats in order to help organizations protect themselves from attacks. This information can include things like the methods that attackers use to gain access to systems, the types of data that they are targeting, and the motives behind the attacks.

2. Can you explain what the kill chain model is in context to Cyber Threat Intelligence?

The kill chain model is a framework that can be used to understand the stages of a cyber attack, and it can be used to help guide the development of a cyber threat intelligence program. The kill chain model is made up of seven stages: reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives.

3. How can CI be used by companies to improve their security posture and reduce risk?

Cyber threat intelligence can be used by companies to improve their security posture and reduce risk in a number of ways. First, CI can be used to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that a company may be facing. This information can then be used to create or update security policies and procedures to help mitigate these risks. Additionally, CI can be used to monitor for ongoing or emerging threats and to provide early warning of potential attacks. This allows companies to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their data. Finally, CI can be used to support incident response and forensics activities in the event of a breach.

4. Is it possible to use open source data for CTI? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to use open source data for CTI. This can be done by using a variety of methods, such as scraping websites or using public APIs. However, it is important to note that not all open source data is reliable, and it is important to vet any sources that are used for CTI purposes.

5. What are the different types of cyber threats that must be monitored and protected against when using CTI?

There are many different types of cyber threats that must be considered when using CTI. Some of the most common include viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.

6. Can you give me some examples of real-world attackers who have been caught or identified with the help of CTI?

Some real-world examples of attackers who have been caught or identified with the help of CTI include:

-The Russian cyber espionage group known as APT28, who were caught and identified after their involvement in a number of high-profile attacks, including the 2016 US Presidential election interference.

-The North Korean state-sponsored hacking group known as the Lazarus Group, who were identified and caught after their involvement in the WannaCry ransomware attack and the Sony Pictures hack.

-The Iranian state-sponsored hacking group known as the Charming Kitten, who were identified and caught after their involvement in a number of attacks targeting US and Israeli entities.

7. What’s the difference between active and passive cyber threat intelligence gathering? Which one is better? Why?

Active cyber threat intelligence gathering is when an organization takes proactive steps to collect information about potential threats, such as by conducting penetration testing or hiring a third-party to do so. Passive cyber threat intelligence gathering is when an organization simply monitors data that is already available, such as public information or information shared by other organizations.

There is no clear answer as to which one is better, as it depends on the needs of the organization. Active cyber threat intelligence gathering can provide more detailed and specific information, but it is also more expensive and time-consuming. Passive cyber threat intelligence gathering is less expensive and can be done more quickly, but it may not provide as much detailed information.

8. What information sources do you think are most useful for cyber threat intelligence and why?

I think that the most useful information sources for cyber threat intelligence are those that provide real-time data and analysis. This includes things like social media, forums, and chatrooms where people are discussing current threats and sharing information about them. It is also important to have access to data from past incidents in order to learn from them and improve future responses.

9. What is your opinion on the effectiveness of OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) in cyber threat intelligence?

I believe that OSINT can be a very effective tool in cyber threat intelligence, but it is not the be-all and end-all. OSINT can provide a lot of valuable information, but it is important to supplement it with other sources of intelligence in order to get a complete picture.

10. How does threat modeling work? What role does it play in CTI?

Threat modeling is a process used to identify potential security threats to a system. It is often used in the early stages of design or development in order to identify and mitigate potential risks. In the context of CTI, threat modeling can be used to identify potential targets for cyber attacks, and to assess the potential impact of those attacks.

11. What are IOCs and how are they important for cyber threat intelligence?

IOCs, or Indicators of Compromise, are important for cyber threat intelligence because they can be used to identify potential cyber threats. IOCs can include things like IP addresses, domain names, and hashes of malicious files. By identifying these IOCs, security analysts can be on the lookout for attacks that use them.

12. What are some ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of social engineering tactics?

There are a few key things you can do to protect yourself from social engineering tactics:

1. Be aware of the most common social engineering tactics. These include phishing emails, fake websites and social media profiles, and phone calls from scammers.

2. Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.

3. Be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal information or money.

4. Do not give out personal information or financial information to anyone you do not know or trust.

5. If you receive a suspicious email, call, or text message, do not respond. Instead, contact the company or person using a known, trusted method to verify the request.

13. What are the main components of an effective cyber threat intelligence report?

The three main components of an effective cyber threat intelligence report are:

1. A clear and concise description of the threat.

2. An analysis of the potential impact of the threat.

3. Recommendations for mitigating or countering the threat.

14. Are there any publicly available resources that provide comprehensive details about past attacks and hacks?

Yes, there are a few. The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) is a great resource for this. They provide a Cyber Incident & Breach Database that includes information on past attacks and hacks. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) also provides a Cyber Incident Database that includes information on past attacks and hacks.

15. What kind of training should executives receive so they can make correct decisions based on CTI reports?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the training that executives receive in order to make correct decisions based on CTI reports will vary depending on the specific organization and the specific CTI reports that are being used. However, some general tips that executives can follow in order to ensure that they are making the best possible decisions based on CTI reports include:

– taking the time to understand the CTI reports and the data that they contain,
– working with CTI analysts to ensure that they understand the reports and the data that they contain,
– and making sure to stay up-to-date on changes in the cyber threat landscape so that they can be aware of new threats and how they might impact their organization.

16. What are common mistakes made while evaluating CTI reports?

A common mistake made while evaluating CTI reports is not taking the time to properly vet and verify the information that is contained within them. CTI reports can often be filled with false or misleading information, and it is important to be able to identify this before taking any action based on the report. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that CTI reports are often based on incomplete information, and as such they should be used as one piece of a larger puzzle when making decisions about cyber threats.

17. In your view, is it necessary for all organizations to have dedicated teams working on cyber threat intelligence?

While it is certainly not required for all organizations to have dedicated teams working on cyber threat intelligence, I believe that it can be extremely beneficial for those who do. Cyber threat intelligence can be a complex and ever-changing field, and having a team of dedicated experts can help to ensure that an organization is always aware of the latest threats and how to best protect against them.

18. What is the best way to evaluate the quality of a CTI solution?

The best way to evaluate the quality of a CTI solution is to consider how well it meets your specific needs. Every organization has different requirements for their CTI solution, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some factors you may want to consider include the accuracy of the information provided, the timeliness of updates, the ease of use, and the price.

19. What is the process used by hackers to compromise systems?

The process used by hackers to compromise systems is known as the kill chain. The kill chain is a process that begins with reconnaissance, in which the hacker gathers information about the target system. This is followed by the actual attack, in which the hacker attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. Once the system is compromised, the hacker can then begin to exfiltrate data from the system.

20. What are some cyber threats that affect small businesses more than larger corporations?

Small businesses are often more vulnerable to cyber threats than larger corporations because they typically have fewer resources to devote to cybersecurity. They may also be less likely to have robust security measures in place, making them an easier target for attackers. Some common cyber threats that affect small businesses include phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, and data breaches.